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About

Kazunori Hoshino is a leading figure in bioinspired microsystems and robotic micromanipulation, whose work bridges the gap between biological vision and precision engineering. His research centers on biomorphic visual sensors and microgripping technologies, drawing inspiration from nature to solve challenges in micro-optics and biomechanics. Hoshino’s most influential contribution is the development of a micro-sized compound eye visual sensor modeled after the fly’s scanning retina, first proposed in 2000 and cited 27 times. This work introduced a novel muscle-and-tendon actuation system for mechanical scanning, advancing the field of micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems. Building on this, he pioneered 3D-printed flexure-based robotic microtweezers (2019, 17 citations), enabling precise sample manipulation at scales between nano- and micro-instruments. More recently, his biocompatible PDMS microtweezers (2022, 7 citations) allow for stiffness characterization of hydrogel organoids, opening new avenues in tissue engineering and mechanobiology. Hoshino’s work is distinguished by its seamless integration of biological principles with microfabrication, producing tools that are both innovative and practical. His research has been recognized for its potential to transform fields from robotics to biomedical engineering, making him a key contributor to the next generation of microsystems.